São Paulo, Brazil – The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has reinforced its commitment to global food security by strengthening its collaboration with Brazil’s leading agri-tech institutions. Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, participated in the International Conference on Food Security and Fighting Hunger “Josué de Castro” in São Paulo, held on June 19, 2024, alongside over 500 high-level delegates from around the world.

ICBA’s participation in the conference highlights its ongoing efforts to support local and global food security initiatives, particularly by addressing challenges in saline and arid regions. These areas, often faced with extreme climate conditions such as water scarcity and drought, are central to ICBA’s research, which focuses on finding sustainable agricultural solutions for these environments.

During the conference, Dr. Alzaabi spoke on the pressing issues impacting food security in the Arab region, including water scarcity, salinization, and the effects of climate change. She also shared insights on ICBA’s innovative solutions, such as climate-resilient crops, water-saving technologies, and reject brine management.

In addition to the conference, Dr. Alzaabi took part in a panel discussion on “Commerce, Sustainability and Nutrition” at the Brazilian Rural Society’s headquarters. She provided an overview of ICBA’s initiatives aimed at improving food security, especially through the use of salt-tolerant and drought-resistant crops from ICBA’s extensive genebank.

The event marked a significant step forward in fostering international partnerships to address global agricultural challenges. By leveraging Brazil’s expertise and ICBA’s innovative research, both institutions aim to contribute to the development of sustainable agrifood systems that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, and other environmental factors.

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is a global leader in agricultural research focused on saline and arid regions. ICBA works to develop and promote climate-smart, resource-efficient crops and technologies that help improve food security and livelihoods for people living in some of the world’s most water-scarce and climate-affected areas. Through its cutting-edge research, ICBA is making significant strides in enhancing global agricultural sustainability.

– QANTARA (c) 2024